Labor Standards -- Frequently asked questions about termination

My employer won't give me a reason why they terminated me. How do I get one?
An employer must give a truthful reason why an employee was terminated, if requested in writing by the employee. Request must be made in writing by the employee within 15 working days of termination. The employer has 10 working days from receipt of the request to give a truthful reason in writing for the termination. (See Minnesota Statutes 181.933).

My employer fired me for reasons I think are unfair and may be a wrongful termination. What can I do?
Minnesota is an employment "at will" state. The employer can fire any employee for any reason as long as that reason is not illegal. If you feel you were terminated because of discrimination based on race, creed, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights at
(651) 296-5663 or 1-800-657-3704.

There may be other actions, such as wrongful discharge or whistleblower protection under Minnesota Statutes 181.932 or other causes of action; such actions may require legal assistance by an employment law attorney.

Does my employer have to give me two-weeks notice before terminating me? Do I have to give them two-weeks notice?
No notice of separation is required by law, by either party, upon separation of an employee for any reason. Courtesy and time to collect accrued benefits are reasons why notice is given.

I didn't receive my final paycheck from my employer. What steps can I take to get my final wages?
If your employer has not paid you your final wages, there are several steps you can take to ensure you are paid all the wages you are due. To learn what steps you can take to receive your final wages, visit the Making a demand for final wages page.

For more information

If you don't see your question answered here or want more information about any of these subjects, contact the Department of Labor and Industry, Labor Standards unit, at dli.laborstandards@state.mn.us, (651) 284-5070 or
1-800-342-5354.